Boomer's Saving Grace: Mercy Springs Heroes Series Book 2

by Bliss Carter

  This woman would be his in less than a week. He had finally done it. Now they could grow old together, have babies together, raise Jaxson to be the best big brother. Man, he loved that kid. He wasn’t just blowing smoke when he said those things to Jaxson last night. He meant them. Jaxson was everything to him, just like his mama was. He would do whatever was necessary to make sure that Jaxson would have his last name and be his, permanently. He needed to get an appointment with the family law attorney that he knew in town. Her name was Rose Sheridan. From what other people say, she’s good at what she does. She can help him and Grace know the next steps and get things started. Walker made a mental note to make that call tomorrow.

  Walker knew that he wanted to work on something special to surprise Grace with, but he didn’t think he could pull it off by the wedding. He was a cop and had some great detectives around him. They could help. He’d pull Cade into his surprise and see what he could come up with. Between them all, he was betting he could hopefully bring some more joy to her life. Walker closed his eyes and let his mind wander, thinking of all that he and Grace and Jaxson would experience together. Life was going to be so sweet.

  Grace woke up in Walker’s arms on the couch, hearing her phone ring. She looked around for it and finally found it on the ottoman nearby. She reached out and grabbed it, just as Walker started stirring. She could hear the growl forming in his chest, and she answered her phone at the same time as he started to speak. She put her finger over his lips to hush him.

  “Hello? Oh, hey Kres. Yeah, we’re just watching some TV together. We actually fell asleep and have been napping. I don’t even know what time it is. Uh huh. Yeah, if you don’t mind, just know that he’s going to beg for dessert first. Tell him I said green before ice cream. He’ll know what I mean. Okay. I’m glad y’all had fun and he was good. See you in about an hour. Okay, bye.”

  Walker lay on the couch, Grace’s finger still on his lips and just looked up at her with a twinkle in his eye. He had listened to the one-sided conversation and deduced that Jaxson had a great time today and they were stopping somewhere to eat dinner. So, he and Grace had about another hour or so before he came home. In broken words, since her finger was still on his lips, Walker mumbled, “Jaxson must be eating with the crew for dinner before coming home?”

  “Oh! I’m sorry honey. I forgot my finger was there,” Grace laughed as she pulled her finger away. “Yes, Jax is eating with Kres and Cade. They decided to stop and of course Kresley is going to make sure first before she decides to do it. She’s always very thoughtful when it comes to me being the parent for Jaxson.”

  Grace looked up at Walker, and saw his hazel eyes stay steady on her face, but she could see the question lurking in the back. She instinctively knew he was asking about how she saw his role in Jaxson’s life. “Walker, you have nothing to feel inferior about or worried about. I see you as a parent with Jaxson. You’ve been the best version of a dad for him since coming into his life. I can see how he blossoms around you. You bring out more confidence in him. He always used to question every thing that he did or said. Now he doesn’t do it hardly at all. He is trusting his instincts. Instincts that you helped to develop in him. Thank you, baby. Thank you for loving the child that I gave birth to, that you have no blood relation to, and wanting to make him yours. It doesn’t matter if you and Jaxson don’t share DNA. What makes a father isn’t based on a test done in a lab. What makes a father is based on how a man treats a child. How he nurtures that child, loves that child, helps build that child up to become an amazing adult. And you are exactly the right man to do that for Jaxson. Jax and I are so incredibly blessed to have you beside us. I want you to know that. I love you.”

  Walker took a deep breath after Grace finished talking, basically shredding any lingering doubts he had in the back of his mind about being a father to Jaxson. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to. He reached up with his hand and cradled her face lovingly. He rubbed his thumb over her cheek, saying softly, “I love you Grace. More than the moon or stars. You are my sunshine. I love Jaxson. He’s my rainbow. I had nothing but rain and gloom before I discovered your shining light and Jaxson’s bright colors.”

  “Wow Walker. That was…beautiful, but totally cheesy. Are you trying to write the world’s worst love poem?” Grace tried to hold by the laughter as she teased him.

  “Oh, you’re going to pay for that one Gracie Lou. Come here!” Walker yelled, scrambling to get off the couch so he could grab her. Grace screeched and laughed as she ran from him, running in circles around the kitchen counter.

  “Walker, you’re bigger than I am. My short legs can’t keep up with being chased. Either give me a head start or raise the white flag of surrender.”

  “Surrender? Yeah right. Listen, babe, I don’t surrender to shit. I’m going to catch you, then I’m going to tickle you until you yell uncle or pee in your pants. Ready?” Walker’s grin should have warned Grace of his intentions.

  Grace did the only thing she could. She reached for the retractable kitchen faucet and pulled the hose forward, aiming for the big man across the counter from her. She aimed it at Walker’s face and sprayed him with cold water. Bullseye! While his attention was diverted, she took off like demons were licking at her feet, running toward the bedroom. She thought she made it, thought she could call herself the winner, when she felt strong, hard arms go around her waist and chest. She was lifted off the ground as if she weighed nothing. Grace couldn’t help herself. She began laughing hysterically and calling out Walker’s name. She had no clue how he did it, but somehow without even putting her down on the floor, he had spun her around in his arms until she faced him. It was only when he slammed her against the bedroom wall and held her there with just his body, did Grace finally stop laughing. She looked up at Walker, the big, gentle giant and took a long swallow, gulp of air. She knew he would never hurt her. Never. But this was a dominant man in front of her, taking control of his woman. She should hate it, but she didn’t. She freakin’ loved it.

  Walker held Grace against the wall, her feet dangling in the air, her arms wrapped around his shoulders. He could see the desire in her eyes. She liked being controlled, even if she would deny it until she was blue in the face. He loved dominating her, but only when it came to intimacy. “Grace, are you going to say you’re sorry for spraying me in the face?” His tone was deep, guttural, and demanding. He was hoping she could hear the desire and need in there and not just bossy.

  Grace listened to Walker ask her something. She knew what he asked, but she could only concentrate on how he asked it. Wow. Her Walker was a walking dream of domineering, sexy muscled, man. “I’m so sorry that I sprayed you with water, baby. Do you forgive me? I promise to make it up to you. On our wedding night.” Grace stated with an innocent, pouty look in her eyes. She bit her bottom lip and looked up at Walker with those big blue windows to her soul. She heard Walker groan and press her harder against the wall. She could feel every single inch of his body where it touched hers. Every inch. Torture. Saturday could not get here fast enough!

  Walker thought he could handle it, but he couldn’t take her teasing right now. He was on a hair trigger when it came to Grace and he didn’t think he could take much more. He was going to call a truce. “Okay, angel. We’ll set your punishment for our wedding night. I guarantee you’re going to love it.” He winked at her, then leaned down and took her mouth in a searing kiss of need. She met him halfway and their tongues battled for control. Walker finally won and dominated her mouth, slanting his over hers, pushing his tongue into her, meeting hers, inviting it back into his. He finally lifted his head and gently kissed her one more time. He eased her down to her feet and hoarsely said, “Well now. Let’s go make us some dinner so we can cool ourselves down before Jaxson gets home. One week, baby. One week until I make you all mine.” He swatted her butt on their way out the bedroom door

  Grace blew out a breath and smiled warmly up at Walker. She murmured quietly as she turned tow
ards the fridge, “One week. I can make it one more week…. Liar, liar, liar”. Walker heard her rebuttal to herself and gave her a loving squeeze. The rest of their alone time was spent fixing dinner and eating. They were eager to see Jaxson and share the wedding plans with him. They couldn’t wait to see his face.

  ∞∞∞

  Later that night, after Jaxson had been dropped off, and they heard all about his day of fun, Walker and Grace both sat down and talked to him about the wedding. To say he was happy was an understatement. He was so amped up, that Grace didn’t know if he would settle down for bedtime or not. Luckily, Walker came to the rescue and toted Jax to bed, reading him two stories before saying goodnight. This co-parenting thing totally rocked. Grace heard her phone ding with a text in the other room. Walker heard his at the same time. They retrieved their phones and both saw a group chat that included both of them.

  Grace grinned and looked up at Walker. “Let the craziness begin!” Walker just laughed and shook his head. He then began reading the texts flying onto his phone.

  Kresley: Okay girls, wedding planning mode begins! Grace, tell us what’s going on with plans. When we dropped off Jax earlier today you said you would talk to us later. Well it’s later. Cade and Boomer are included. Also, Ash, Braxton, and Killian. The more the merrier, right? ;)

  Grace: Well first, this is a hell of a lot of people to “discuss” plans with. Like they say, opinions are like hands. Everyone has them. But bottom line is this is for Jaxson, Walker and I. So, no crapping on what we want. If I see any negative stuff, I’m taking it to city hall for a quickie. Got me?

  Birdie: Got you, Bridezilla.

  Kresley: Understood. Try to be laid back like Cade and I were.

  Francie: You were laid back because we did all the planning, twit.

  Cade: Truth, baby.

  Kresley: Cade, zip it

  Ash: Wow, I’m so honored to be included in a group chat. These are famous. According to Boomer, anyway.

  Boomer: I didn’t say famous. I said INFAMOUS. Usually due to Birdie

  Killian: Yeah, no surprise that Dirty Bird would be the reason for that

  Birdie: Killie, I’m putting a glitter bomb somewhere in your house or car that will give you grief for years to come. Be ready

  Kresley: She learned that from me. She’s still finding glitter. It’s the devil. Satan sparkles

  Braxton: So why are we calling Birdie “Dirty Bird”? I’m going to sit on satan sparkles for a while.

  Birdie: Don’t say it.

  Gertie: Birdie is a natural wongle

  Gertie: wingle

  Gertie: Damnit!!!

  Kresley: *laughing emoji* auto correct hates you Gert

  Gertie: W O M A N

  Killie: Yeah natural born killer is more like it

  Birdie: I apologized and was mortified. LET. IT. GO

  Grace: Can we get back to wedding 2.0?

  Cade: Yeah, lets. This could get out of hand. So, what is your plan? Date? Where?

  Boomer: Want me to, angel?

  Ash: awwwwww

  Grace: Yep. Go for it superman

  Walker: Grace and I are getting married this Saturday. Our house. 5 PM. Jaxson’s birthday party is 2 to 4. So, parents and their kids will leave at 4 and we’ll marry at 5. The birthday party AND wedding is superhero themed for Jaxson. Come dressed as superheroes if you want. We will grill out and have a wedding cake. Blow up slides will be entertainment after the wedding as well. This wedding is for us, but Jaxson is the focus. The only superheroes off limits are superman and ant man. Any questions?

  Francie: Uhmmm, no? No questions. Just crying over here because you guys are so freakin’ adorable

  Ash: I’m sitting right beside you Francie Pants and you aren’t crying. You were moaning a little while ago though....

  Birdie: Oh Snap!

  Gertie: Asher’s got game people. Text game.

  Francie: He’s lying y’all. I was moaning but not why you think. I slammed my hand in the door and it’s still throbbing.

  Kresley: Yeah, use that word throbbing again and see what happens.... Lol

  Killian: Do all of y’all talk this much? All the time?

  Cade: The girls do. A lot

  Birdie: Cade Sasquatch Grantham....you talk smack but I’ve seen your texts to Kresley. You could write a freakin’ novel every day!!! And you’re married.

  Braxton: It’s really hard to wrap my head around this type of convo. Especially when I have to put my phone down and come back 10 minutes later to bedlam.

  Walker: Welcome to my world man. Welcome to my world.

  Grace: Walker, your world is totally awesome and you know why?

  Walker: Why baby?

  Grace: Because I’m in it. The sunshine, remember?

  Walker: Yep. Sunshine. And Jaxson is my rainbow

  Birdie: Ok. That’s it. I’m out. I can’t handle anymore mushy stuff especially involving children. First all the kids at the water park. Parents and their cute, snotty kids. And now a wedding totally planned around a 6-year-old who thinks Walker hung the moon. I love you all, but I can’t handle it any more today, especially since I now know I can’t have my own children. Just tell me what to do for the wedding and I’ll do it. ILY girls. Nite

  [Birdie has left the group]

  Killian: What the hell? Seriously?

  Cade: Wait. What? Kres, what haven’t you told me? Side convo time.

  Gertie: It’s Birdie’s story to tell. Just be kind to her everyone. She’s hurting and in true Birdie fashion, can’t handle it in a normal way. I’m talking to you Killian. You have the ability to hurt her the most. And neither of you realize it. Just remember the hardest, most stubborn people are the ones who are most vulnerable.

  Killian: I’m out too. I’m going to talk to her. Wish I had a key to her place in case she doesn’t answer.

  Walker: No breaking and entering please. Cop here.

  Killian: 10-4

  Grace: Back to wedding. I’m taking care of details tomorrow of rentals, party decor and cake. If y’all girls can help, great. If you’re busy I understand.

  Kresley: I’m freeing my whole day for you sassy. Let the wedding celebration begin! And now I say Nite for Big Sexy and I. Pregger hormones are very real.

  Cade: I love ‘em

  Ash: TMI, but way to go Cade

  Walker: Nite everyone. Thankful for this big group of misfits that just fit

  Grace: *sniffs* beautifully said babe

  Braxton: Later. Nite Gertie. Sweet dreams

  Gertie: Nite :)

  Francie: Ash, start back up the Eureka marathon. The nerd in me says one more episode.

  Ash: You got it

  Grace: and on that note (another one bites the dust) I’ll say goodnight.

  Chapter Eleven

  Wedding planning wasn’t hard when you were basing it on mostly a kid’s superhero birthday party. Grace was enjoying focusing on Jaxson’s fun with friends and then just adding being bound to Walker for the rest of her life as a beautiful ending to a perfect day. Kresley wasn’t kidding when she said she took off the whole day on Monday to help her plan. They were able to book a wedding cake at short notice. Grace said since there would be no groom’s cake, she wanted it to be both Walker and Jaxson’s favorite flavors. So fudgy chocolate layers with white, buttercream frosting. Grace opted for a traditional cake look, so it would be covered in beautiful scroll work and the initial ‘C’ as a topper. Every thing else to do with the wedding would be intertwined with superhero decorations, colors, etc. Jaxson was so excited that he could barely contain himself.

  “Grace, I’ve got a question for you,” Birdie said as she walked up front from her office.

  “What’s up?” Grace asked, curious at the hesitant look on Birdie’s face. That face was one she had never seen on this woman before. She didn’t know if she should be scared or inquisitive.

  “Do you have an officiant yet?”

  “No, that’s next on the list actually. Why?”
Grace asked with a curious tilt of her head.

  “I just applied and got approved to marry people in the state of Georgia online. I want to marry you and Walker. And before you roll your eyes, I’m serious. I want to do this and make it special and involve Jaxson. I think I can make it be sweet and memorable for y’all. I promise no sarcasm, no jokes, no acid remakes. I promise to be on my best behavior.” Birdie peered at Grace’s face with a serious, sincere look.

  Grace thought for a few moments then said, “Let me check with Walker, but I’m all for it. And you’ll put Jaxson into helping with the ceremony?” At Birdie’s nod, Grace pulled out her phone to shoot Walker a text.